Understanding the Accuphase digital lineup
Accuphase approaches digital the same way it approaches everything else, with a focus on measurable precision and long term musical satisfaction. The models in this category do very different jobs, from pure digital to analog conversion, to disc playback, to active crossover duties, to in room correction. Choosing well starts with understanding what each device is designed to accomplish rather than assuming one is simply a step up from another.
Several shared technologies run through this range. The heart of the current converters is MDSD, or Multiple Double Speed DSD, which processes the signal in a fully balanced configuration and uses parallel converter operation to lower noise and improve linearity. You will also see Accuphase HS-LINK, a proprietary digital connection designed to keep jitter low between compatible transports and processors. Where a device offers selectable digital filter characteristics, the goal is to let you tune the presentation to your ears and your recordings rather than lock you into a single house sound.
The digital to analog processors
Accuphase DC-500
The Accuphase DC-500 is a Precision MDSD Digital to Analog Processor built around a fully balanced MDSD conversion stage. It offers USB, coaxial RCA and optical Toslink inputs, along with both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, and it includes selectable digital filter characteristics so you can shape the sound to taste. This is an excellent choice for a listener who wants a genuine Accuphase converter at the center of a computer, streamer or transport based system without needing the very largest chassis or the widest input set.
Accuphase DC-1000
The Accuphase DC-1000 is the more ambitious statement converter in the range. It uses MDSD with parallel converter operation and adds HS-LINK to its USB, coaxial and optical inputs, which makes it the natural partner for an HS-LINK equipped transport. Accuphase rates its frequency response from 0.5 Hz to 50 kHz. Within the Accuphase converter family this is the model that reaches furthest in terms of input flexibility and the scale of its converter implementation, so it suits a reference system where the source is treated as a cornerstone.
Both processors share the same design philosophy. The DC-500 is aimed at the listener building a refined, focused digital front end, while the DC-1000 speaks to the listener who wants the fullest expression of Accuphase digital conversion and plans to build around HS-LINK.
The transport
Accuphase DP-1000
The Accuphase DP-1000 is a dedicated SA-CD and CD transport built on a high rigidity drive mechanism. It carries no internal conversion, instead sending the signal out over HS-LINK, coaxial or optical to a partnering processor. If you own a serious physical disc library and want to hear it with the least mechanical and electrical compromise, the DP-1000 paired over HS-LINK with the DC-1000 forms a complete high performance disc based front end. The transport is designed to keep the reading and clocking stages solid and stable so the downstream converter can do its best work.
Digital crossover and room correction
Accuphase DF-75
The Accuphase DF-75 is a Digital Frequency Dividing Network, in other words an active digital crossover for multi amplified systems. It supports 2-way, 3-way and 4-way division with selectable steep digital filter slopes, and it provides independent frequency, level and polarity control for each band. Inputs include coaxial and optical digital as well as balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog, with balanced and unbalanced outputs per band. This is a specialist tool for the listener running active loudspeakers or building a bi-amped or tri-amped system who wants precise control over how the frequency ranges are split and delivered to each amplifier.
Accuphase DG-78
The Accuphase DG-78 is a digital voicing equalizer that integrates measurement, DSP and D/A conversion in one chassis. It ships with a calibrated measurement microphone so you can analyze the in room frequency response, then apply correction in the digital domain, with a graphical display showing both the measured and corrected curves. It offers coaxial and optical digital in and out, plus balanced and unbalanced analog in and out. If your listening room introduces significant peaks or dips, the DG-78 is the model designed to tame them while giving you a clear visual picture of what is happening.
Note that the DF-75 and DG-78 address two different problems. The DF-75 divides the signal across drivers and amplifiers, while the DG-78 corrects the interaction between your speakers and your room. They are complementary rather than competing.
The digital input board
Accuphase DAC-60
The Accuphase DAC-60 is an optional digital input board that installs into the expansion slot of compatible Accuphase components. It adds asynchronous USB Type B, coaxial RCA and optical Toslink inputs, uses an MDS type multiple parallel converter configuration, and supports high resolution PCM and native DSD over USB. This is the right answer when you own a compatible Accuphase integrated amplifier or preamplifier and want to add digital capability without buying a separate box.
Which Accuphase digital component should you buy
If you stream or play from a computer
Choose the DC-500 for a refined dedicated converter, or step to the DC-1000 if you want the fullest converter implementation and HS-LINK for future disc integration.
If physical discs are central to your listening
Pair the DP-1000 transport with the DC-1000 over HS-LINK for a cohesive SA-CD and CD front end.
If you run an active or multi amplified system
The DF-75 gives you 2-way, 3-way or 4-way division with independent control of each band.
If your room fights you
The DG-78 measures, corrects and shows you the result, addressing the speaker and room relationship directly.
If you already own a compatible Accuphase amplifier
The DAC-60 board adds USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs with high resolution PCM and native DSD support inside your existing component.
Come listen at AEA
All Elite Audio is an authorized Accuphase dealer with a showroom in Timonium, Maryland. Demo units rotate and not every model is set up at all times, so we encourage you to contact AEA before visiting so we can arrange a listen with the specific Accuphase digital components you are considering.